This blog is part of a series on getting started with RoundTable: Squire and covers getting everything installed. The next post in the series will walk you through the steps necessary to use Squire to start learning the C# programming language.

What is Squire?

Squire is a Round Table project that was created as a learning tool for those new to C# development. It is used as part of the Round Table training approach much like Katas in martial arts. Squire uses Kihons, a Japanese term meaning “Basics” or “Fundamentals” to provide repeatable exercises that help you learn the C# language.

Round Table Members believe that mentoring is central to learning, and even though working with Squire alone can certainly help you get a jump start with learning programming with C# we believe that establishing a relationship with a mentor is the best way to accelerate your learning. Round Table Craftsman is not only about practicing techniques, but is also about fostering the correct sprit and attitude to develop a well rounded technical expert.

Steps to get started:

Install SharpDevelop

SharpDevelop is a free integrated development environment (IDE) for C#, VB.NET and Boo projects on the Microsoft’s .NET platform. The Round Table team chose SharpDevelop because it is free, and integrates with nUnit and is a full development environment. This lowered the barriers of entry, mainly cost for those interested in learning programming with C#.

Download SharpDevelop and install it with the typical settings. At the time of this post the current version is 4.2 RC.

Install nUnit

nUnit is a unit-testing framework for all .NET languages which was initially ported from JUnit. nUnit integrates directly with SharpDevelop allowing you to execute the test and see the results without leaving the SharpDevelop IDE.

Download nUnit and install it with the typical settings. At the time of this post the current version is 2.6.

Get a Copy of Squire

Start Learning

Ok, that’s it, you now have all the tools installed necessary to start learning the C# programming language using Squire. The next post in this series will cover opening the Squire solution and running through an exercise (kihon).